The Co-directors of Pathways Retreat

The ministry of Pathways Retreat is grounded in relationship. The unlikely spiritual friendship that developed between co-directors Julie Stegelmann and Linda Lehman Thomas has formed a missional vision that is rooted in relationship. It is out of that vision that Pathways was born and continues to be. It is a grassroots movement of welcoming the other as a facet of God's healing and reconciling mission in the world.

From the beginning Linda and Julie's relationship has been centered in God. Each came with their own tradition, Julie as a Lutheran and Linda as a Mennonite. Together they grew in appreciation both for their own tradition as well as that of the other, realizing that each had a piece of the Deep. Extending this welcome across faith traditions has been integral to the Pathways vision.

Both Julie and Linda agree that their friendship provides a firm grounding from which to accompany others on the spiritual journey. Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs and these two spiritual friends believe that they are called to be in this ministry of spiritual direction and retreat together. As they oversee the day to day activities of Pathways Retreat they are guided by the question, "Where is God in this?" They also hold each other accountable to making plenty of space for joy, fun and an element of playfulness in their work together.

On Trinity Sunday of 2016 long-time board member, Evan J. Miller, joined Julie and Linda to form a trinity of directors at Pathways Retreat. Evan answered the call to bi-vocate in the second half of life and devote more time to spiritual direction and retreat ministry, gifting Pathways Retreat with his experience as both a business leader and spiritual director.